Mid Valley MOM | Feb/Mar 2020

real local moms

since 2005

Mid Valley | February / March 2020

FREE

COVER MOM

INSTANT POT FAVORITES

BIRTHDAY CAKES

JOLENE WILSON

UNDER PRESSURE

TO REMEMBER

[ Momism #67:

If you're too full to finish your dinner, you're too full for dessert.

]

Christina Miller, MD

541 704 7304

Raising strong families through personalized care.

At Willamette Valley Pediatrics we believe that healthcare is personal.

“We are all in this together” Encourage your child to be active: Be a role model to your child Provide active toys Find FUN activities, age appropriate Make time for exercise Physical activity improves strength and endurance, builds healthy bones and lean muscles, promotes emotional well being.

Dr. Christina Miller takes the time to develop relationships with her patients and their families in order to care for their “whole” health.

You and your child’s health are our priority.

We know that health concerns are stressful for moms, we offer same day appointments and can work with your busy schedule. We schedule sports physicals with minimal wait time, because we know that an active child is a healthy child.

Dr. Miller knows that children are a blessing.

That is why she comes along side you and your child to help them become their best self.

To learn more contact us at 541-704-7304 or www.willamettevalleypediatrics.com

Christina Miller, MD

Dr. Miller strives to provide so much more than just a doctor’s “visit”.

Located in Albany 1123 Hill Street SE, Suite B. Albany

willamettevalleypediatrics.com 541 704 7304 2 mommag.com

mommag.com 2

It’s what‘s

inside that counts

Black History 18

Birthday Cakes 22

Under Pressure 28

Meet the MOM experts... 4

Sprinkle..............................16

They know what they’re

Tips for sprinkling a little

Birthday Cakes To Remember..................22

talking about

goodness in your life.

Insider tips for creating

Because I said so............... 5

Black History.....................18

A message from MOM

This reading list celebrates the

Under Pressure................28

contributions of African

Instant Pot favorites

Let’s Talk Health................. 7 Your health questions

memorable birthday cakes.

Americans to our history.

answered by Samaritian Health Services

Cover MOM: Jolene Wilson ..................10 This mom gets real

More ways to love your MOM Blog: mommag.com

Facebook: facebook.com/ lovemommag

Cover MOM

10

Photos by Emily Hall Photography

Email: info@mommag.com We love hearing from you. Email us with feedback, story ideas or nominations.

CONGRATULATIONS to ABC House, winner of the 2020 MOM Magazine Community Impact Award.

Look for more information about ABC House services in upcoming issues of MOM Magazine and check out their ad on page 21.

Advertise today Want to get the word out about your business?

Contact Linda Blair at linda@mommag.com mommag.com 3

meet the

experts

[They know what they’re talking about]

Health.

Let’s Talk Health with Samaritan Health Services, page 7

“ “The secret of

Focus.

Smile.

Focus on MOM with Carli Lancaster, O.D., page 8

Something to Smile About with Dr. Kim Kutsch and Dr. Greg Renyer, page 25

Learn.

Thrive.

Partners in Education with Carla Towery, page 15

Go Out and Play with Karen Swanger, page 26

Natural.

Style.

Natural Choices with Emily Stimac, page 17

About Home Style with Heather Van Eyk, page 31

staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.”

“

– Lucille Ball

4 mommag.com

Say Cheese.

Say Cheese with Dr. Wade Haslam, page 20

EDITOR'S NOTE

Because I said so!

Published by GO Creative, LLC 263 29th Avenue SW Albany, OR 97322 Editor-in-Chief Managing Director Angela Hibbard angela@mommag.com Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250 Salem Advertising Representative Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036 Tri-Cities Business Development Manager Kim Harvey kim@mommag.com 509-460-6526 Designer Sean Carver

MOM MagazineTM is produced by GO Creative, LLC. © 2020 All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher, is prohibited.

Information in the magazine is provided for general information purposes only with the understanding that none of the content constitutes professional advice.

Opinions expressed by the writers or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of the magazine or the publisher. Inclusion in the magazine does not constitute endorsement of information, products or services.

Not another toy!

WHEN MY KIDS start talking about what they want for their birthdays I like to remind them that I gave them the gift of life. Isn’t that enough? But, seriously, I find the kids’ birthday party circuit overwhelming—especially all of the gifts.

There was a time when we spent virtually every weekend at one or more parties and, somehow, I always ended up roaming the toy aisle 10 minutes before the party thinking, “What should we get?”

Overspending on meaningless toys can be a drag on more than your wallet. And when you’re on the receiving end, managing all of those gifts is no easy task—just take a peek at our junk closet. But I’m not a total party pooper; I love celebrating and gift-giving. I just want it to be meaningful and manageable. So consider some of these toy alternatives to avoid birthday-gift-overload.

Coupons: Make a coupon for a playdate for your child and the birthday boy or girl.

Consider including a special outing like mini-golf or bowling.

Subscriptions: Purchase a subscription to a kids’ magazine like National Geographic Kids, Disney Junior or Highlights.

Cookies: Print out your child's favorite cookie recipe and provide the ingredients to make it. Your child can get creative by decorating the recipe card and ingredients box.

If you really want to make your life easier, choose one of these (or your own) non-toy ideas and make it your gift for every party this year. Then, next year, select a different gift. You’ll never find yourself aimlessly wandering the toy aisle again.

Why? Because I said so!

Gift certificates: Kids love the idea of having their own “money.” A gift card to the movies, ice cream shop or a favorite restaurant is always a hit.

Picture frame: Have your child decorate a simple frame with a photo of your child and the birthday boy.

Angela Hibbard MOM Magazine Editor-in-Chief

mommag.com 5

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Let’s talk health

Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office or are too embarrassed to ask? The experts at Samaritan Health Services are here to help.

Croup has shown up at daycare and a friend took her child to the ED in the middle of the night. I’m worried my son was exposed. What do I need to know if my son comes down with it?

Heartburn is a common, but unfortunate side effect of pregnancy. I recommend taking your time to eat your meals without distractions, and drink fluids — ideally water — between meals instead of with meals.

Croup is a barky cough, and a common infection in children under 3 years old, that causes swelling in the trachea (windpipe) and larynx (voice box). It is caused by a virus and is spread by coughing and sneezing.

Nighttime heartburn can be eased by eating a smaller, earlier dinner. The early meal gives you time after dinner for taking a walk or moving around to promote digestion. No matter how tired you are, you’ll want to avoid laying down on the couch too soon after eating. At bedtime, you might try to elevate your head while sleeping with an extra pillow.

It is important to remain calm as crying worsens the symptoms. A mild case can be treated at home by keeping your child upright, snuggling them and keeping them quiet and comfortable. Sometimes humid or cool air, such as a steamy bathroom or a humidifier can suppress the cough. Keep them hydrated and if there is a fever, you can treat it with ibuprofen or Tylenol.

Starting a food journal will help you identify patterns with your symptoms.

Be sure to write down all the items you eat and drink to help you identify foods that trigger heartburn. Remember, the heartburn will disappear soon enough.

Good luck, mama!

Croup can last two to five days. Most children get better without problems.

Call the doctor if your child is drooling or has trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, blue lips or fingernails, or if they are confused.

~ Mary Lou Belozer, MD, Samaritan Family Medicine Resident Clinic, Lebanon

™

My pregnancy is going well, but heartburn is killing me, especially at night. What can I do to help avoid this?

For parents, a severe cough in the middle of the night can be alarming. Some parents end up rushing to the Emergency Department, especially if there has been an outbreak of croup at daycare.

Prevent croup by washing hands often, throwing away used tissues right away and washing toys with soapy water if a sick child has played with them. Also, ask people with coughs to avoid kissing or playing with your child.

Let’s talk health

~ Kirsti Troyer, registered dietitian, Samaritan Obstetrics & Gynecology

Brought to you by:

Call Samaritan Health Services Find a Doctor line at 800-863-5241 to find a provider who is right for you.

mommag.com 7

S

Smoking harms eye health

MOKE IS A MAJOR EYE IRRITANT, particularly for those who wear contact lenses. The tar and nicotine that deposits on your fingers can contaminate your contacts when you handle your lenses, which can give your eyes a burning sensation.

As if there weren’t enough reasons to avoid smoking, the American Optometric Association urges consumers not to use tobacco or e-cigarettes, since smoking can cause harm to eye health.

In addition to experiencing problems associated with poor contact lens hygiene, plus the diseases already associated with tobacco use (lung cancer, emphysema, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and overall reduced life expectancy), individuals who use tobacco are more likely to develop eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

There is no safe way to use tobacco

People considering other alternatives, such as smokeless tobacco, or electronic cigarettes, may erroneously believe they are less at risk. But there is no safe way to use tobacco.

If you smoke and wear contact lenses be sure you’re following proper contact lens care guidelines, schedule regular comprehensive eye exams and speak with your doctor about smoking cessation programs.

Adapted from aoa.org

Brought to you by

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Cover MOM and owner of Natural Sprinkles Co., Jolene Wilson, is on a mission to sprinkle goodness everywhere—in her business, her bakery, her community and, of course, her family.

Photo credit: Emily Hall Photography

Platter of delicious sweets made by Cover MOM, Jolene Wilson at her business, Natural Sprinkles Co. 10 10 mommag.com

The Wilson family,

Jolene Wilson, Pastry chef and CEO of Natural Sprinkles Co., Husband, Chad Wilson, CFO, and children: Lynden, age 11 and Aida, age 9.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

We have a cat named Nola and he is terrible.

We found him when he was 5 weeks old and it turns out he was wild. He bites almost everyone that comes over and the kids have asked to trade him in a few times. But, well, he’s family and no one is perfect. He is really cute when he sleeps.

The military has made us strong and able to think quickly and respond to life. We love to travel and have a big dream of taking a year-long trip to see all 50 states before the kids are grown. We are centered around faith

and try really hard to eat together because good food leads to good family chats. The thought of the kids growing up makes me nervous but, when it comes, I like to think that all of our healthy dinners, game nights, trips to the library and cuddles will be sweet memories for us both.

Tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments? When I locked both of the kids in the car after a Mommy and Me class.

I was a wreck, but another person that was watching as I called the towing service sweetly rocked the car until the kids fell asleep.

Every family has their own traditions. How does your family celebrate birthdays or special occasions? As the kiddos get bigger we like to take them on trips for the holidays. We have started to buy them things that they will need on the journey instead of more toys—maybe sunglasses or snow boots and a book to read, etc.

We’re all moms so we know that no one is perfect all of the time, or even some of the time. Tell us about your most recent “Mother of the Year” moment. You know, like forgetting to pick the kids up from school. I am so busy dreaming up cake designs, leading our team, being a mom and wife that I have little time to clean these days, mommag.com 11

& Who is MOM?

PROFESSION:

Pastry chef and CEO of Natural Sprinkles Co.

What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you?

Hard work pays off. Trust in the Lord and dream big!

so when I know someone is headed over to the house I run around hiding things. My go-to place is the oven for all dirty dishes, but sometimes I forget to check the oven later on.

Let’s just say that I have melted a few things in my day.

Is there anything that can’t be improved by adding sprinkles? I’m pretty sure sprinkles make everything better! At the bakery when we make a mistake or something turns out just “okay,” we always say, “Put some shimmer on that!” I guess it’s a bakery joke.

Your biggest wish for your kids is… To be light and bright, not to take the easy road, to stand up when something is not right because the hard road will be easier in the future, but the easy road will just turn cold and be an uphill battle.

What advice do you have for other busy moms who have a dream of starting a business? It’s the best and hardest thing I have ever done. God has blessed us with so much, but it’s not easy. Everyday is a new race. Trust in God to lead you on your right path and always walk in the light.

12 mommag.com

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? Our biggest goal is to build a community area and park.

How did your upbringing shape the mother you are today? My mother was always cooking or creating something fun. She would give me things from recycling to build with for my dolls or Barbies.

Albany Oregon in the heart of the historic district.

What was your inspiration for Natural Sprinkles Co.? How did you get started?

I wanted to be able to make healthy, but fun, treats for my kids that were just as fun as the naughty treats. So I just started trying things—mixing and tweaking ingredients.

Trust me, there were lots of mistakes before it just worked.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. I am so proud of my husband for completing 20 years of service in the Navy.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

COMMUNITY/HOMETOWN:

No one works harder than mom.

How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general?

Typically, what falls through the cracks?

My new favorite thing is drive-up grocery pick up. It’s so fast and makes me feel like supermom! Sometimes I feed the kiddos naked cupcakes for breakfast and call them muffins. Sometimes you just have to get through the day.

What have you learned professionally, that has helped you as a mom? It’s okay that you don’t have it together all of the time. Life is messy and, if you just talk to your kids about the hard things, sometimes they have answers that you wouldn’t even think of.

When was the last time you failed? What did you learn? I fail all the time, but I get back up and know that it will make me better.

When was the last time you did something for the first time? I went hiking by myself.

That’s a big step; there are always so many trails that lead off the main trail, I have a hard time picking the correct one.

What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)? Our heart and soul is in the bakery so, sometimes, when things are not running right, we are up late trying to fix it. I have been known to yell out about cupcakes in my sleep.

What is your greatest extravagance? Shoes.

I mean your feet work really hard keeping you upright so they need to be comfy. And because I’m putting in so many hours, I need good shoes in my life.

What is something you will NEVER do again? Not trust my gut. It’s always right.

What good habit do you wish you had started earlier? Drinking more water.

?

Quick

questions for MOM Tea or Coffee?

Tea

Morning or Night?

Morning

Summer or Winter?

Summer

Fly or Drive?

Drive

Gold or Silver?

Gold

Dog or Cat? Dog

Beer or Wine?

Wine

Bath or Shower?

Bath

“I’m pretty sure sprinkles make everything better! At the bakery when we make a mistake or something turns out just “okay,” we always say, “Put some shimmer on that!” I guess it’s a bakery joke. mommag.com 13

What is the quality you like most about yourself? My ability to see good in everyone.

MOM’s Favorite…

What’s your superpower? Baking. I can make recipes by just grabbing things and mixing them together.

…words to live by: Sprinkle the good! It spills over into

What’s in your mom purse right now? My purse is a hot mess. Sometimes I wonder why I carry tons of things.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Gift wrapping. I mean, seriously, people get so creative.

How does it feel to be a Cover MOM? I feel so blessed and humbled that you would want me to rock the MOM Magazine cover. Amazing!

What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? Take a trip by themselves so they can truly see the beauty of their family.

They say that everyone has a book in them.

What’s the title of your book?

How to Sprinkle That.

Listen to mom.

What surprised you the most about motherhood? That the kids would be with you all the time, that you would never be alone. It’s like they have little homing devices. They always know when you are up.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My husband. He is the fun-guy parent.

What message would you like to share with other moms? You’re never going to be perfect and all that trying is just going to give you wrinkles. Take time for yourself and breath through it.

14 mommag.com

every aspect of our lives. People even call me “Sprinkles.” We sprinkle the good in the community, in our family, with the farmers we work with and their families. Life is just better because of it.

…place to hide and find some peace & quiet: I love nature, so I even enjoy a quick power walk from the bakery; or a trip in our camper, which I call my tiny house; or hikes we take as a family, although normally someone is always dragging their heels to go but, in the end, it’s a good time!

!

Thehoney! power of words It’s perfect,

As parents, we see the many, many things that are special about our children.

lives, we see what we don’t have. When we look in the mirror, we see Have you ever noticed that we love our children’s artwork, ourthose flaws instead of the blessings.

Cancreates we take step back?

Can weand no matter how purple the sky or red the grass they’ve drawn? cknowledging things out-loud and often a a“bank” of strength accept those few extra pounds, or scuffed shoes, or not-so-new We don’t expect it to be perfect, yet we find joy in it anyway. confidence. On days when they doubt themselves and worry about their car—even with its occasional rattles—and allow ourselves to weaknesses, We find joy in their imperfection, yet we often expect no less than being able to draw from the strengths they are confident about makes a big difference.

We want satisfaction them to hear ourwhat voice the back of their heads saying, experience with weinhave and who we are?

Peace perfection from ourselves or our spouse. When we reflect on our “Something special about youliberates is…” us to be our own “best.” with ourselves

A

Another way toToday’s build resilience andyourself strengtha for thefrom hardthe times is to instill the day. Give break expectation of the “power of yet” perfection in the hearts of the kids you love.

When they worry that they aren’t and say, “I’m okay.” good at something, remind them that they “may not be great at it yet, but they are still learning, growing and gaining skills.”

The word It’s called GRACE. Give yourself some “yet” today!empowers hope, confidence and expectation. It implies, “I will be good at it.”

Words have power. They plant themselves in our hearts. “Something special about brought to you by you…” and “yet” are powerful words to plant in the hearts of the children you love.

Brought to you by:

Carla Towery is a Santiam Christian Schools Kindergarten teacher, www.santiamchristian.org Santiam Christian Schools 541-745-5524 x243

Santiam Christian Schools www.santiamchristian.org 541-745-5524 x 243

4 mommag.com

Carla Towery is a Kindergarten teacher, Santiam Christian Schools

mommag.com 15

Sprinkles on everything Cover MOM and Natural Sprinkles Co. owner, Jolene Wilson, shares her tips for sprinkling a little goodness in your life Sprinkles make everything better and hide so many baking mistakes. They also spruce up lackluster store-bought cakes in a pinch. Our favorite tagline at the bakery, when something just doesn’t look quite right or something is missing is, “Put some shimmer on it!”

Since sprinkles make everything better, bring more sprinkles into everyday moments. Make a fairy sandwich for the kiddos lunch by giving a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich a facelift. Take a small cookie cutter and cut out the top piece of bread, then use peanut butter to glue down the sprinkles in that small-shaped area.

“Put some shimmer on it!”

We know that not everyone can bake, but you can make store-bought treats look more festive by creating a dessert board. Grab storebought candies, sprinkles, mini cupcakes and cookies, then make a tasty and festive dessert board by laying out the sweets and adding a splash of color with fruits and berries.

Your board can be as simple or over-the-top as you want.

Shimmer sugar crystals and other baking items available at Natural Sprinkles Co. bakery and naturalsprinklesco.com

RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE THE EASTERN EDGE eou.edu/mom

16 mommag.com

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Frost it with cream cheese:

Applesauce instead of oil:

Frost your cake without the guilt by substituting cream cheese or whipped cream frosting for heavy shorteningbased frostings. Dairy-based spreads on average have 1,000 fewer calories, less fat, and they provide protein, which will help to balance your blood sugar.

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mommag.com 17

CELEBRATING

b L AC K H IS T ORY It’s important to celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans to U.S. History all year long, but in February—designated as Black History Month—we have an opportunity to recognize this history in a special way.

Celebrate with your children by learning about the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans to our collective history.

Here’s a selection of books you can read with your children.

Some highlight historical figures, while others celebrate heartwarming stories of children of color.

2

3

7

1 6

4 5

9

10

8

18 mommag.com

1 The Quilt By Ann Jonas

5 Whoever You Are By Mem Fox

8 Teammates By Peter Golenbock

Age: 0-3 Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Recommended ages: 4 and up

Recommended ages: 6 and up

Publishers Weekly called this delightful book a “landmark in children’s literature.” Made from her old pajamas and curtains, a young girl’s new quilt inspires a dream adventure. The squares of the quilt become part of a dreamscape she enters into in order to find her lost stuffed dog. An ALA Notable Children’s Book

This book offers a preschooler-friendly introduction to the concepts of diversity and equality. Award-winning author, Mem Fox, tells little ones that wherever they are, whatever they look like, and no matter their customs, there are other kids like them all around the globe: "Joys are the same, and love is the same. Pain is the same, and blood is the same."

This book takes us back to 1947, when Jackie Robinson became the first African-American player in Major League Baseball. He was taunted and terrorized by baseball fans, opposing players, and even his own teammates on the Brooklyn Dodgers. Historical photos and watercolor illustrations transport us to the fateful game when Pee Wee Reese, the Dodgers shortstop, embraced Robinson on the field as his teammate in front of a heckling crowd of spectators.

2 Amazing Grace By Mary

Hoffman (author) & Caroline Binch (illustrator)

Age: 3-6 Reading Level: Beginning Reader Grace loves to act, but one day some kids tell her she can’t play the part of Peter Pan because of the way she looks. Grace’s grandmother helps this young girl realize that, with effort, anything can be achieved. An inspiring and heartwarming story.

3 Bigmama’s By Donald Crews Age: 3-6 Reading Level: Beginning Reader Every year the narrator and his family take a trip down to Cottondale, Florida, to visit his grandmother, Bigmama. This autobiographical story recalls the joys of summer and the contrast between the author’s life in the city and Bigmama’s lush, rural home. While the illustrations suggest it was a period of segregation, this thought never overpowers the carefree summer celebration.

4 Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ​By Doreen Rappaport (author) and

Bryan Collier (illustrator)

Age: 6-9 Reading Level: Beginning Reader Martin Luther King Jr. grew up fascinated by big words. He would later go on to use these words to inspire a nation and call people to action. In this award-winning book, powerful portraits of King show how he used words, not weapons, to fight injustice.

6 Moses: When Harriet

Tubman Led Her People to Freedom

By Carole Boston Weatherford

9 I Am Rosa Parks

Recommended ages: 5 and up

By Rosa Parks and James Haskins (authors) and Wil Clay (illustrator)

Introduce children to Harriet Tubman, the champion of the Underground Railroad who earned the nickname "Moses" for leading hundreds of slaves to freedom. Spirited text and paintings portray how Tubman's compassion, courage, and deep religious faith helped her lead 19 trips from the south to the north in order to help fellow African-Americans.

Age: 6-9 Reading Level: Independent Reader The famous civil rights activist, Rosa Parks, has simplified her autobiography for young readers in this Puffin Easy-to-Read book. She describes how she was arrested for not giving up her bus seat and shows that her personal role was part of a wider political struggle.

7 Little Leaders and

10 Through My Eyes

By Vashti Harrison

Age: 9-12 Reading Level: Independent Reader

Little Legends

Recommended age: 8 and up These beautifully-illustrated biographies celebrate exceptional black men and women in history.

By Ruby Bridges

Six-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first African American to integrate an elementary school. Her memories of that year, when so much hatred was directed at her, makes for a powerful memoir. A 1999 Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner.

This is by no means an exhaustive list.

There are countless titles to explore with your family. So visit your local library to expand your knowledge of Black History.

Book summaries adapted from pbs.org, familyeducation.com and amazon.com

mommag.com 19

Seven is your lucky number MANY PARENTS ASK, “When should I take

Some of the most direct results of early

my child to the orthodontist?” When it

interceptive treatment include:

comes to an initial orthodontic evaluation, remember that 7 is your lucky number. An orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, but there is an optimal time period to begin treatment to ensure the greatest result with the least amount of time and expense.

The American Association of Orthodontists

erupting teeth • Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth • Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth • Preserving space for unerupted teeth

recommends that an initial orthodontic

• Reducing the need for tooth removal

evaluation occurs at the first sign of

• Reducing treatment time with braces

orthodontic problems or no later than age

Ask your primary dentist or other parents

7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but a thorough examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

An orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, but there is an optimal time to begin treatment

• Creating room for crowded,

to recommend a quality, local orthodontist.

And remember that 7 (years old) is the lucky number for a winning smile.

This smile is brought to you by:

WADE L. HASLAM, DMD, PC 2657 NW Rolling Green Drive, Corvallis | 541.757.2440 valleyvieworthodontics.com

CSD Theaters present

CSDTheaters.com 20 mommag.com

Dr. Haslam is a Board-Certified Specialist in Orthodontics.

[ Momism #139: Eat

your vegetables.

]

BE YOUR CHILD'S HERO Child abuse is 100% preventable.

ABC House offers free trainings to educate you about abuse so you can take action when you see it. Let us help you take the first step to end child abuse.

Learn more about the comprehensive assessment and support services we provide and how we are working to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect. www.abchouse.org PO Box 68 | Albany, OR 97321 | 541-926-2203 | Abuse Hotline: 1-855-503-SAFE (7233)

Splash into summer with Parks & Recreation and Corvallis-Benton County Public Library! Bring the whole family and enjoy an afternoon of swimming, crafts, a storybook stroll, and participate in fun water safety drills. Community booths will be present to provide info about youth and adult programs happening in Corvallis this summer! Don’t miss this

FREE event!

Saturday April 4 1 - 4 pm

OSBORN AQUATIC CENTER 1940 NW Highland Drive . 541-766-SWIM www.corvallisoregon.gov/pool mommag.com 21

Birthday cakes to remember The Rad Baker, Destiny Garcia, shares her insider tips for creating memorable birthday cakes.

Fun with fondant The sky’s the limit when it comes to creating your next birthday masterpiece. Fondant is such a versatile cake-decorating tool. It can be used to cover cakes or make great little cake toppers. I personally call fondant grown-up Play-Doh because it can be so much fun to create different decorations that fit your theme. Cookie cutters and molds can be used to cut out a base for your fondant or gumpaste decorations. Wish.com, amazon.com and your local craft store are great resources for decorating supplies.

To create this Baby Shark-themed cake I used a Play-Doh set. How could I resist, right? Pair this with shell molds and you have an under-the-sea masterpiece!

22 mommag.com

If you’re not the most confident baker, that’s okay! Here are some helpful tips to help you succeed: Before you get started, be sure to read the recipe thoroughly. Baking is a science, so be sure to understand the directions.

Unicorn cuteness Pirate’s booty

You can have a swashbuckling time with this pirate theme by pairing decorative molds with things you can find at the grocery store, like gold coins.

Flower and horn molds are a great way to create unicorn cupcakes or—the little sister— unicorn cake pops.

Room temperature is best for your ingredients. Let your items such as eggs, butter and milk sit out on your counter for a couple of hours prior to baking.

Correct measurements are very important! My advice? Before you start mixing, make sure you have all your ingredients pre-measured and ready to go.

I use this practice in all of my baking.

Want a box cake to taste like it came from the bakery? Follow the directions on the box but add an extra egg, use melted butter instead of oil, and replace the water for milk. And don’t be afraid to add a little flavoring like a teaspoon of vanilla or a touch of almond extract.

Greasing your pans is an important step!

Butter is best, but a 1:1:1 ratio of oil, flour, and shortening (otherwise known as “cake goop”) is also great. And if your cake doesn’t release entirely from the pan, no worries! Wrap that cake up and freeze for cake pops later.

mommag.com 23

Check it out

Checker board technique

There are many different ways to create a fun birthday cake but one of my favorites is the checkerboard technique. And you can do this without having to buy expensive, fancy pan sets.

All you need is some circle cutters that you can find at your local craft store. The one I use is by Celebrate Arts sold at Michaels stores.

The largest of these circles start at 5 inches, which is perfect for a cake that is 8 inches. I used 6 inch round cakes that I colored pink and purple, with one layer having some fun sprinkles it. Start by cutting two circles out of every cake layer. When assembling, place a different color circle in each cake round until they are complete.

Craft store circle cutters.

24 mommag.com

What’s really cool about this technique is the reveal when you cut into your cake—it will have checkerboard appearance. And because I used three different colors instead of two, it added a little more dimension to the inside of the cake.

Beautiful, isn’t it? And it’s super fun when creating cakes such as unicorns, mermaids, or lumberjack themes. Give it a try using different flavors and colors. It will be a hit at your next party!

Assemble the cut rings alternating the colors

Thanks to The Rad Baker, Destiny Garcia, for these creative cake-decorating tips and images. For more cake-decorating inspiration check out The Rad Baker on social media. @theradbaker

Voila! The big reveal

Go ahead, stick your tongue out We all know it’s critical to brush our teeth twice daily and floss daily, but we don’t often hear about the importance of keeping our tongues clean.

The surface of the tongue is full of tiny grooves and crevices, which are perfect hideouts for oral bacteria. Over time, this bacteria multiplies, coating the tongue in a smelly biofilm that blocks delicious tastes from reaching the taste buds, threatens the tongue-side of the teeth with decay, and turns the breath sour.

The solution is simple: pick up a tongue-scraper the next time you’re in the dental section of the grocery store. After you brush and floss, give the tongue-scraper a few passes from the back of your tongue to the front. Don’t be too grossed out if a lot of sticky whitish gunk comes off—that’s how you know it’s working.

Brought to you by: Pinnacle Dental Associates 2200 14th Ave. SE, Albany Pinnacle-smiles.com 541-928-9299

With daily tongue-cleaning, soon your food will be tasting better, you’ll have less risk of tooth decay and fresher breath.

Drs. Sophie Diepenheim, Kim Kutsch and Greg Renyer

Ashbrook Independent School Now Enrolling Preschool - Grade 8

Join us at our Admissions Open House March 10, 6-7:30 p.m.

April 14, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

April 14, 2-3 p.m.

Visit our website or give us a call to learn more about the Ashbrook Community 4045 SW Research Way, Corvallis, OR 97333

541-766-8313 | www.ashbrookschool.org mommag.com 25

It’s your child’s birthday! What’s the best way to celebrate?

Celebrating your child with a party has the potential to do these wonderful things: Aid in your child’s self confidence.

Offer a space for your child to grow in friendships and social learning.

Signal to your child the importance of each year of life.

Create fond memories you’ll cherish in years to come.

At KidSpirit, we think birthdays are a time of fun. We love to have gymnastics and gym games parties where kids can run around and giggle, and feel celebrated for a day. These parties not only offer a place to shower your child in love, but also offer social learning opportunities, physical activity games, and skills growth. KidSpirit can host either of these parties as well as art and archery.

Brought to you by:

Karen Swanger is the Director of KidSpirit Oregon 4-H Youth Programs

Summer Camp

Type 1 Diabetes: June 23 - 26 Session C: July 12 - 17 Session A: June 28 - July 3 Session D: July 19 - 24 Session B: July 5 - 10 Session E: July 26 - 31 26 mommag.com

Visit kidspirit.oregonstate.edu to learn how we can help celebrate your child’s birthday.

Spend a week lakeside in Central Oregon!

Ages 8-14

Session F: August 2 - 7 Session G: August 9 - 14 Session H: August 16 - 21

[ Momism #113:

Don't run in the house.

]

Isn’t Parenting great?

It’s better with support.

For Parents in Linn and Benton Counties

Y•R•O•C•K• AFTERSCHOOL Enrolling now in Albany and Jefferson!

K - 5th Grade

LEARN | GROW | THRIVE For more information: Angela Duncan 541.926.4488 x. 110 | familydirector@ymcaalbany.org

mommag.com 27

Under pressure Instant

Pot favs

By Angela Hibbard, MOM Magazine Editor-in-Chief and Instant Pot ® novice.

I’M NOT AN EARLY ADOPTER. In fact, if I finally embrace a new technology, style or fad, it’s a sure sign that it’s on the way out. So I was certainly not the first mom to jump on the Instant Pot bandwagon. While everyone else claimed the Instant Pot was changing their lives, I was holding firm to my crock pot. We’d had a long and happy relationship and I didn’t have room (literally, no cabinet space) for a new appliance in my life...

Minestrone Soup

But when my rice cooker gave out and I learned that I could cook rice in the Instant Pot, I suddenly had the justification I needed: swapping one appliance for another was cabinet-space neutral. A few days later a giant box was at my doorstep. Several days after that, it was still in the box staring me down from the dining room table. I would not be defeated by an appliance but, I must admit, I was a little intimidated—okay, terrified—to get started. It’s been a few months now and I am by no means an expert, but I am a convert. I’m still a complete Instant Pot neophyte but, after some experimentation, our family definitely has some Instant Pot favorites.

3 stalks celery, chopped

This soup makes an almost weekly appearance at our house. It’s easily adapted depending on what’s in your pantry. No potatoes? No problem.

Substitute frozen spinach for kale, if needed, or swap out cannellini beans with red kidney beans.

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 3 medium carrots, chopped 2 cloves, garlic, minced 1 ½ teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

¼ teaspoon black pepper ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 russet potatoes peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces 4 cups vegetable broth 2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 1 can diced tomatoes 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional DIRECTIONS

Instant Pot makes the best rice, hands down

Press Sauté; heat oil in Instant Pot. Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic; cook and stir for 5 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Add salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper and red pepper flakes; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in potatoes, broth, beans and tomatoes; mix well.

Secure lid and move pressure valve to Sealing position. Press Manual; cook at high pressure for 3 minutes.

When cooking is complete, press Cancel and use quick release. Stir in kale. Secure lid and move pressure release valve to Sealing position. Press Manual; cook at High pressure for 2 minutes.

When cooking is complete, use natural release for 5 minutes, then release the remaining pressure. Serve with cheese, if desired.

Source: Instant Pot ® Favorite Recipes

28 mommag.com

Unlike a crock pot, which requires planning ahead, the Instant Pot will save your rear when you get home at the end of the day and nothing’s planned for dinner.

Red Beans and Rice This simple recipe is a huge hit in our house.

Technically it’s a side dish, but we throw it on a plate with some salad or veggies and call it dinner. Warning: there are never any leftovers.

INGREDIENTS

3 bacon slices, chopped into ¼ inch pieces 1 onion, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 large pinches of cayenne 1 cup long-grain white rice 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans, rinsed and drained Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS

Select Sauté to preheat Instant Pot. Once hot, add bacon and cook until lightly crisp. Remove and set aside. Add onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Add bell pepper and cook for 2 more minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until onion is translucent. Add cayenne and bacon and stir. Add the rice, beans and broth and stir. Season with salt and pepper and secure lid. Select Manual and cook at high temperature for 5 minutes. Once cooking is complete, use natural release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.

Source: The Instant Pot® Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook, Laurel Randolph

Due to its cult-like following, there are countless social media groups and websites dedicated to the Instant Pot that offer more advice and recipes than you could ever need.

mommag.com 29

Chopped

Lentil Rice Soup

Under pressure

This is another family favorite that’s perfect for chilly winter evenings or thrown into a Thermos en route to a ball game.

Instant

Pot favs

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 carrots, finely chopped 2 stalks celery, finely chopped 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence ⅛ teaspoon black pepper 6 cups vegetable broth 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and sorted ¼ cup uncooked rice, rinsed well ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley Sour cream (optional)

Apple Cake Ingredients: • 4 cups chopped apples, peeled and cut into ½” dice • 2 cups sugar • ½ cup safflower oil • 2 eggs

• • • • • • •

1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. cinnamon 2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. vanilla 2 cups flour 1 cup nuts 1 cup raisins

Directions: Mix sugar, apples and

oil. Stir. Let sit at room temperature, stirring occasionally until sugar has dissolved and juice has formed. Add remaining ingredients and mix by hand until combined. Pour into greased and floured 9x13” glass pan. Bake at 350° for 55 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar when cool. Top with whipped cream or ice cream.

DIRECTIONS

Press Sauté; heat oil in Instant Pot ®. Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic; cook and stir 5 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Add salt, herbes de Provence and pepper; cook and stir 30 seconds. Stir in broth, lentils and rice; mix well.

Secure lid and move pressure release valve to Seal position. Press Manual; cook at high pressure for 10 minutes.

When cooking is complete, use natural release for 10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure.

Stir in parsley. Top with sour cream, if desired.

Source: Instant Pot ® Favorite Recipes

It’s certainly possible to make unhealthy dishes in the Instant Pot, but I find that simple dishes my family would have previously rejected —soups, beans, vegetables—are now welcome since they are loaded with flavor.

North Corvallis 2855 NW Grant Ave South Corvallis 1007 SE Third St Open daily 7am-10pm

30 mommag.com

@firstaltcoop

www.firstalt.coop

A million shades of grey…

or is it gray?

G

rey is a neutral color that designers have used long before it became the color of the decade. If you have introduced grey into your interior design palette you have, no doubt, noticed that all greys are not created equal.

Here are a few things to know about designing with grey:

Every paint company uses different pigment systems so mixing one company’s paint formula with another will not render the exact color.

Grey can look green, blue and red. Blue is most-often mistaken for grey. If you can’t see the true color due to lighting, place the color that you suspect next to the grey to force a reaction.

Grey looks best when complemented with warm neutrals. An overly cool space with too much grey is not natural and can create an uncomfortable effect.

It’s always fun to try new things, but avoid making massive changes if you’re not sure that it fits your style. Trends are called trend for a reason.

541-738-2806 | nwdesignhouse.com

Brought to you by:

The color grey comes in warm and cool tones and these rarely coordinate with one another.

Heather Van Eyk is a mother of two; Principal Designer at NW Design House & owner of Budget Blinds located next to Starbucks in North Albany.

mommag.com 31

263 29th Avenue SW | Albany, OR 97322 541-926-0353 | 541-926-1515 fax

www.mommag.com | info@mommag.com

The views, information and content in this magazine are not that of the organization that may have provided MOM Magazine to readers as a courtesy.

MOM Magazine and its distributors assume no liability for the contents or events arising out of its distribution.